Florida-based documentary and video producer Elam Stoltzfus recently relied on the new Sachtler Ace, from Vitec Videocom to support his 100-day, 1000-mile trek across the heartland of Florida, for a PBS special. “This is an education and awareness campaign that demonstrates the connection between the landscapes and watersheds,” Stoltzfus said. “If we show Floridians the panthers, bears, native cultures, ranch lands and rivers and how they are all connected, then they can help us make the Florida Wildlife Corridor conservation project a reality.”
“My gear has to be able to stand up to the elements of environmental stress and endurance to capture the images in the wilds of Florida,” Stoltzfus explained. “That’s why I always count on Sachtler. I’ve been using a 7×7 for over 30 years. I’ve had it rebuilt twice and never had a problem. It’s solid and dependable, no matter what I need it to do.
“New on this shoot is the Ace, which is lightweight, easy to set up and a solid support for the smaller Sony FS100 camera. The Sachtler tripod and head setup provides me with a sturdy platform for the various cameras I use. The combination works well in outdoor locations and transports well in traveling situations.
“This shoot required that I put the Sachtler Ace in a variety of challenging situations, including mounting it on our kayak. I was able to fasten it quickly, a great advantage, because we were constantly moving – so we needed efficiency and endurance. I always get that with Sachtler.”
Stoltzfus found that the new patented SA-drag system, which has three horizontal and three vertical steps, allowed him to choose a drag setting that suited every situation he encountered on this trek. He could move from very tight control with more resistance to very loose control with virtually no resistance at all. The five-step counterbalance capability ensured him easy balancing and optimum positioning of the camera.
Stoltzfus’ own Live Oak Production Group will use the footage he captured with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition Team to release a weekly 1:15 minute – 15 part series for Public Broadcasting System in Florida, as well as a two-hour documentary for national PBS release.
